The Captive (Captive Hearts #1) by Grace Burrowes-a review

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Release Date: July 1, 2014

He’ll never be free…

Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately.

Until he surrenders his heart…

Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian’s devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian’s heart is only beginning.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW! Another grand slam by Grace Burrowes. I really … REALLY enjoyed this historical romance. I love that Grace writes mature,” lived life a little and now much wiser” kind of characters. I think this is the big reason why her stories seems to flow so naturally and always before I know it, I am finished the book. The believability is front and centre as is the ability to feel sympathy and compassion. I always FEEL FEEL FEEL reading a Grace Burrowes book and I absolutely love that. I also adore that she always seems to write the perfect match for her often conflicted characters and somehow they always seem to break the mold and become one of a kind!

So clearly, yes, once again I am gushing at my fave historical romance author, but it is well deserved. Let’s “meet” why shall we??? WINK!

A little darker to start than her other books I have read, The Captive is the first book in her Captive Heart series. Set in London and France during the Napoleon war, we are introduced to Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia right away. Unfortunately, it is after he has been captured by the French and is being viciously tortured and reduced to nothing short of an animal. Once the war is over, Christian is released and finds his way back home as an close to complete broken man (both physically and psychologically). He also learns that he has lost his Duchess and heir but his daughter survives.

Gillian, Countess of Greendale is recently widowed and is quite pleased about it. After surviving her own abusive situation, she has taken responsibility towards her cousins daughter (that would be Christian’s late Duchess). When she learns that the Duke has survived his ordeal, she takes it upon herself to barge in and demand that he step up and be a proper papa to his ailing daughter Lucy. Completely taken with Gilly in the most refreshing manner, Christian insists that Gilly stay on to help him with his daughter and somehow … to help him heal.

These two turn out to be what the other didn’t know they needed. With revenge strong in his mind, Christian is resolved in righting the wrongs that were inflicted upon his person .. no matter the cost. Gilly begins to strip away all that hate that consumes Christian and it’s through small displays of consideration on the other’s behalf that these two form a bond and perhaps a healing love. However, for a true happy ending, Gilly must learn that marriage doesn’t mean being under a man’s hand/word, and Christian must learn that revenge can tear apart his new found happiness. If these two can jump these hurdles, they have the makings for happily ever after.

Another wonderful start to a new series Grace Burrowes and I must admit I am anxious to read the next one!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.